It’s no secret that since its creation, the Children’s Center has helped students in need of its services. It offers some choice and flexibility to parents who are constrained by their academic responsibilities.

Despite its convenience, some parents are encountering pitfalls in trying to get their little ones admitted into the Children’s Center. The complexity of the application process makes admission more or less reachable to students depending on their financial status.

It’s important to apply at the right time, because missing the application window may mean that you will need to wait an additional six months or more as spots at the Children’s Center are filled on the “first come, first served” basis, with priority given to students with low income and financial assistance from the government.

Maribel and Ivan Lopez, both students at Sacramento State, have been struggling for more than a year to enroll their 22-month-old daughter into the program.

“They always say you need to reapply,” freshman Maribel Lopez said. “You wait for papers but they never come in the mail. It would be nicer if they would keep in contact with us.”

The Lopez family said that they have been unable to enroll their daughter in the program because administration at the Children’s Center always ends up losing their application. This makes it harder for them to freely choose their classes at hours that suit their own schedule. One of them stays at home to take care of the child, while the other one goes to school.

When facing this type of issue, Teri Mahan, the director of the Children’s Center, advises the best option for parents in this specific case is to contact her.

The California State Department of Education grants assistance to eligible parents who are trying to enroll their children in the Children’s Center. These subsidies are a great opportunity for parents who otherwise would not be able to pursue higher education.

At the same time, the financial assistance is a factor that slows admission, causing problems for ineligible students.

“As part of the contract with the state, priority is given to families on subsidy assistance,” Mahan said.

As a result of this policy, applying on the regular waiting list takes considerably longer compared to applying with subsidy. The Children’s Center has an estimated 130 families on the normal waiting list and 64 applying with subsidies per semester.

Being on subsidy is certainly an advantage for parents in need, but it does not guarantee one’s spot. A child’s admission is also based upon the family gross income.

At the facility, the number of availabilities per semester varies in accordance with the openings, as priority admission is given to returning families first. Also, opting for evening care is a plus, as the demand is lower at that time.

“I only waited a semester to get my son in here, evening spots are easier to get,” said Suzy Demay, a graduate student.

Last year, the Children’s Center offered positions to every student on the waiting list. Many of these students appreciate the low cost of the program.

“It’s so much cheaper than other centers,” said Tertia Wansiru, a kinesiology major.

Other students value the convenience of the program.

“It’s a good program,” said Kayisha Davis, a government major. “They have different options.”